Fly Fishing 101 Day 19

The challenge was on - guys against the gals in a fly fishing competition! Dave and Pat against Carol and Andrea. The Hermans went on their way south to tour for 9 more days with Alithea so they missed it all. We had 2 boats and 2 guides, even the guides fit into each boat. The guys guide was Carl and the gals guide was Alyssa. Each boat got the rules and some lessons on terminology and how to have an organized cast and bend the line to prevent it from floating in front of the fly. We practiced casting and went on our 4 hour tour. The gals started off with a few good hits but couldn’t land a fish. Everybody had a hit according to the guides, but we couldn’t always tell if a fish was nibbling. We had a few tangles and resets and some tricky fast moving waters to contend with. The guys ended up landing 1 cutthroat trout, caught by Dave, about 10 inches! They were proud to defeat the gals. We’ll be up for another challenge in the future. We can now say we knocked Montana fly fishing off the bucket list. Brenda told us it was easier than corn hole but Andrea and I disagree. Everyone had a good time on the water. Our arms, shoulders and hands were tired after casting and recasting for hours. We are all going to have to continue another lesson with the famous and experienced Chuck Jones at Lincoln Pond. 

We ended our taxing fishing competition with lunch at a Greek restaurant in Columbia Falls. 

Dinner was out at a nice Italian restaurant called Abruzzo in Whitefish. The guys enjoyed a delicious Old Fashion. We all laughed at the $8 bread service for the table. No free bread anymore, must be caused by the tariffs! Haha. Off to bed for the O’Connor’s as they have an early flight by in the morning. 

I’ll add a picture of the guys once I get one from Andrea and Pat. 

The Buffalo and Rochester travels

Dave’s cutthroat fish! Catch and release as this is a fish that is endangered by invasive non native lake trout. 

The guys in their boat from afar.